Common Causes Of Bus Accidents

Buses are a common form of public transportation. They have many advantages such as lowered transportation cost, reduced environmental impact, and the freedom to relax while someone else does the driving. However, bus companies have a greater responsibility to the public because, much like airline and rail companies, they are common carriers of passengers.

When a bus is involved in an accident, the results can often be very damaging. Buses are much larger than other vehicles on the road, and the impact is often much greater in a collision. Also, buses may not have many of the safety features of modern automobiles such as airbags or seat belts. This article covers some of the more common causes of bus accidents that can affect passengers using them for public transportation.

Driver Negligence

The bus driver has the utmost responsibility to use caution because the lives of the passengers depend on it. However, many drivers find themselves pressured to meet strict schedules. Oftentimes, they will make up for it by sacrificing proper rules of the road in favor of making up lost time. Other times, drivers may not be properly trained or qualified. In some of the worse cases, drivers may even be acting under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Improper Maintenance

Improper maintenance is another common cause of bus accidents. No matter how careful the driver, the bus needs to function properly. Most maintenance for public bus companies is scheduled at regular intervals. The bus may also be regularly inspected to detect problems before they arise. However, some companies or employees may ignore maintenance guidelines. In other situations, the employee may not be properly qualified to identify potentially threatening maintenance issues.

Defects

Manufacturers are also responsible for providing properly working equipment in the first place. Buses that have not been manufactured to certain standards of quality may suffer once on the road. Often, there is a tendency to believe that a brand new bus would not contain any defects because it has just been built. However, manufacturers can cut corners or make mistakes too.

Road Conditions

Finally, road conditions can contribute to bus accidents. It's imperative that signs be posted in compliance with state laws and regulations. Also, the quality of the road may be a factor involved in bus accidents. Roads that have become worn over time often need to be restored to a better condition. In other cases, proper safety precautions, such as guard rails or lines painted on the street, may be missing.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to substitute for the qualified legal advice of an attorney. If you've been involved in one of the common causes of bus accidents, you should contact an attorney. Often, an attorney can properly advise you of any legal recourse available by law. Most lawyers allow you to meet with them for the first time without paying any fee whatsoever.